Letter: VA disability pay

I urge you to support H.R. 333, the "Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act," introduced by Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr.

Military members who serve our nation for full careers often suffer disabling health care conditions that can impact their employability and quality of life. If the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates a military retiree as at least 50 percent disabled, that retiree gets to receive all military retirement pay and VA service-connected disability pay, without offset.

However, under current law, those rated by the VA at below 50 percent disabled lose one dollar of their military retirement pay for each disability dollar received from the VA. Additionally, if the member's career terminates due to a medical condition that results in mandatory early retirement, that retiree is not eligible for concurrent receipt at all. It is time to end these unfair practices.

The Air Force Sergeant's Association represents all current and former Air Force members and, as a member, I see this as a priority for this Congress to take action on. Please do all you can do to help get this legislation enacted. Those who serve this nation and are impacted by that arduous service, deserve no less.

I urge you to support H.R. 333 which would honor the service of military members and correct this inequity.